Milford Historical Society

05/24/2026

We began working on the restoration of our west storage room this year in the Parson Thorne Mansion. As we move into summer, we have made a lot of progress but still have a way to go.

We contacted our painting consultant, Catherine Adams Masek, who took samples of our surfaces. She found that dark brown for all of the trim and red brown for the door were the first finish paints found in this room. Consequently, we are using those colors in the restoration process. More photos to come.

Thanks to David A Reisinger with Roberts Construction Company for the work being done!

05/06/2026

Back in 2007, during the two-hundredth celebration of the establishment of Milford, an image of the Parson Thorne Mansion was placed on the back of a commemorative medallion. How fitting since Sydenham Thorne has been attributed as being a co-founder of the village that grew into a city, along with Joseph Oliver.

05/06/2026

We wanted to thank everyone who was able to attend our event last weekend, May 2nd. We had about 200 people who were able to enjoy the house and grounds. Thanks for supporting the vendors who were able to be there as well as the Milford Garden Club.

04/11/2026

Another project done for us by David Reisinger with Roberts Construction Company is the restoration of our sign. It is not quite finished yet as another section will be hung below that says Milford Historical Society.

04/11/2026

We have completed interior restoration of the Stayton House. We now have lighting fixtures, and the little house is ready to be furnished which will be taking place in May. We also finished restoring our north outside wall and now have the side door functioning with steps.

We are extremely appreciative of all the work done by David Reisinger with Roberts Construction Company.

03/13/2026

The interior restoration of our 16 X 18 late 18th century tenant house, what we call the Stayton House, is nearly complete.

03/06/2026

Please consider making a donation to the Milford Historical Society through Do More 24 Delaware 2026 currently in process. The Society would be most appreciative of any contributions made. Thank you!

Join us and celebrate philanthropy with a 24 hour day of fundraising for Delaware nonprofits!

02/09/2026

This is a notification that the Parson Thorne Mansion will NOT be open this Saturday, February 14th. We are having some interior restoration work done and there is still lots of snow on our driveway and parking areas.

We do plan to be open on the second Saturday of March, which is also the 14th from 10 AM - 2PM.

Thank you and stay warm!

12/08/2025

The Milford Historical Society with our partners at Roberts Construction Company continues to move forward with the interior restoration of our historic 16X20 18th century tenant house.

The panel wall is done with the exception of affixing and painting the fireplace surround. And then bricks will line the firebox and hearth.

The ceiling has been whitewashed replicating historic procedures.

This week the walls are getting plaster! We were able to salvage a few spots of historic plaster. After it dries and the surface is prepared, the plaster walls will also be whitewashed. Then on to completing the window trim and sills, doorframes, doors, and baseboard. David A Reisinger with some assistance from David E Reisinger has been toiling away!

12/08/2025

The Milford Historical Society would like to thank the Milford Garden Club for decorating the exterior of the Parson Thorne Mansion for the winter holiday season!

Remember to join us next Saturday, December 13, from 10AM - 2PM, for our holiday open house where mauled cider and treats from historic recipes will be served.